Billionaire Profile
Carl Cook
Global Rank
#302

Image: Ben P L | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Carl Cook

CEO, Medical devices
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$11.031B
Estimated based on Medical devices stock value as of April 21, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Medical devices
Industry
healthcare
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Carl Cook is an American billionaire businessman and the CEO of Cook Group, a global medical device company. Born in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1962, Cook earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from the University of Iowa. He joined Cook Group in 1988, taking over as CEO in 2011 after his father's passing. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant growth and maintains its status as a leader in the medical device industry. His current net worth is estimated at $11.7 billion, making him the wealthiest person in Indiana. Cook is known for his commitment to philanthropy and has supported educational, healthcare, and cultural initiatives.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Carl Cook was born on November 10, 1962, in Bloomington, Indiana. He is the son of William "Bill" Cook and Gayle Karch Cook, who co-founded Cook Group in 1963. Cook grew up in a family deeply involved in the emerging medical device industry, and he developed a strong interest in engineering and technology from an early age.

Rise to Success

Carl Cook earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in 1985 and an MBA from the University of Iowa. He joined Cook Group in 1988, contributing to the company's expansion in various roles. He became CEO in 2011, following his father's death.

Key Business Strategies

As CEO, Cook has focused on robust research and development in minimally invasive medical devices. Cook Group has expanded its portfolio to include medical devices, drug delivery systems, and other healthcare solutions. Under his leadership, Cook Group has achieved annual revenues of approximately $2.6 billion in 2024. The company has a global presence with manufacturing facilities in several countries.

Philanthropy

Carl Cook has been involved in philanthropy through the Cook Family Foundation, supporting education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives. He has contributed to educational institutions, including Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. The Cook family has also been involved in preserving historic landmarks.

Career Milestones

1988

Joined Cook Group

Began his career at the family-owned medical device company.

1991

President of Cook Group

Assumed leadership responsibilities within the company.

2011

CEO of Cook Group

Took over as CEO following his father's death.

2023

Chair of the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Board of Trustees

Began serving as the Chair, contributing to educational initiatives.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

$250M

Supported a comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Philanthropy

Cook Family Foundation

Unknown

Supports various charitable causes in Indiana, with a focus on education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives.

Controversies & Challenges

2012

Lawsuits related to IVC filters

Cook Group faced lawsuits from patients alleging that its blood clot filters were faulty.